Welcome back to another edition of Decode the code, where we break down confusing terms we see in development news. You can read our previous coverage on residential and agricultural zones, but today we're tackling business zones.

B-1 Neighborhood business

This zone is should serve, support, and enhance residential neighborhoods + their needs. Businesses found in these zones include:

Retail such as grocery, laundry, and liquor stores
Schools, libraries + community centers
Office space
Medical and dental offices
Eating and drinking establishments

B-2 Downtown business

This zone is a specialized district that accommodates current ajd future development + recognizes our downtown core area as a focal point for business, recreation, and transportation. This zone includes those listed in B-1, as well as:

Hotels + motels
Public transportation terminals
Cocktail lounges, nightclubs, and restaurants with entertainment + alcohol sales
Parking lots and structures
Any type of dwelling unit

B-2A Downtown Frame Business

This zone refers to the "frame" surrounding our downtown core, anticipates future growth, and allows for development + businesses listed in B-2 zones.

The Publisher welcomes visitors to Central Bank Center + Rupp Arena. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX

B-2B Lexington Center Business

Development in this zone should run in congruence with the downtown core, promote tourism + economic health, as well as boast an aesthetically pleasing environment. Here you can find:

Banks + travel agencies
Beauty and barber shops
Plant stores, nurseries, and farmers markets
Offices, schools, libraries + museums
Hotels, residential units + more

B-3 Highway Service Business

Businesses in this zone are what you commonly see while driving — necessities, but not as appropriate for a neighborhood. Think:

Lots for display + sale of cars, farm equipment, and boats
Gas stations with no more than 16 pumps
Car washes + repair stations
Restaurants, including drive-ins
Garden centers, motels, animal hospitals + kennels

B-4 Wholesale and Warehouse

Just as the name suggests here you will predominantly find larger establishments including specialized trade shops, indoor recreational activities, and warehouses for the sale of building materials.

B-5 Interchange Service Business

These are the types of establishments you would see while driving along the interstate, supporting the traveling public but not endangering the flow of traffic. Think:

Automobile service stations
Convenience stores
Roadside stands
Hotels + motels

The retail in Hamburg Pavilion is considered Zone B6-P. | Photo by LEXtoday

B-6P Commercial Center

These zones are considered centers of activity, promoting commerce + retail along major corridors, ensuring multi-modal transportation options, and creating a sense of place. A great example of this zone is Hamburg Pavilion with its variety of housing options + shopping centers. The same uses of B-1 + B-2 are allowed, as well as:

Indoor theaters
Mutli-family dwellings
Extended-stay hotels
Self-service car washes